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    Home / Desserts / Cookies

    Sweet Tart Lemon Cookies Recipe

    Published on May 24, 2021 by Devour Dinner | 18 Comments

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    5 from 7 votes
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    Calling all lemon lovers! Even if you are not the biggest fan of lemon, I encourage you to try out these delicious, chewy and Soft Lemon Cookies. They are sweet with a hint of tart and a perfect Lemon Sugar Cookie Recipe.

    Lemon Cookies
    Welcome to #LemonWeek 2021 hosted by Lynn from Fresh April Flours!  What better way to welcome summer than with over 50 recipes featuring bright and sunny lemons? Come join me and my fellow Lemon Week bloggers as we bring you recipes from appetizers to drinks to entrées and desserts!

    Lemon Cookies pair so nicely with a plate of fruit as a light dessert. But don't get me wrong, they are delicious on their own and don't hesitate to add a lemon frosting for a fantastic Lemon Whoopie Pie. You are licking your lips, aren't you? I knew it!

    Lemon is refreshing and delicious and the key ingredient in this Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe. You will use lemon juice and lemon zest to make these sugar cookies extra delicious.

    I've found over the years my boys would rather enjoy Funfetti Cookies or even Circus Animal Cookies over a hot baked Lemon Cookie. Until they accidentally tried one. They were hooked instantly. So let me help you make the most delicious cookies with my tricks and tips!

    I have taken these Lemon Cookies to so many parties, potlucks and family dinners. Every time I have brought these cookies somewhere, they get eaten up so fast. In a blink of an eye, the cookies are gone. They are eaten before I can even get the chance to snag one.

    Recipes with Lemon

    Lemon Cookies are among my favorite lemon desserts I have ever made. Some of my other favorites Lemon Desserts are No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake,  Lemon Bars, and Lemon Pull A-parts.  But don't miss out on Savory dishes like Lemon Rice Pilaf and Air Fried Lemon Chicken.

    The trick to delicious cookies is in using FRESH Lemons! Particularly lemon zest. I use zest in the cookie dough as well as in the sugar I roll the dough into. It gives a pop of zesty flavor and it's delicious! Of course, you can omit using zest, but why would you?

    Making a small batch of cookies is my favorite, it means I'm not in the kitchen a long time and before I know it all the cookies are made and done.  This recipe is a small batch meaning it will make about 2 ½ - 3 dozen cookies.  

    Lemon Cookies

    Directions: How to make Lemon Cookies from scratch?

    Step 1: I love to use my Bosch Universal Mixer but you can easily use a good quality hand mixer and be just fine with this recipe.  In a bowl combine softened butter and ½ cup sugar.  Set the remaining ½ cup sugar aside to roll the cookies in before baking.

    Step 2: When the butter and sugar is light and fluffy add an egg and mix to combine.  

    Step 3: In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients:  Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda, and all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar.

    Step 4: Gradually add about half the dry ingredients into butter and sugar until combined. 

    Step 5: Add Vegetable oil and lemon juice and mix until combined

    Step 6: Then add remaining dry ingredients.

    Step 7: In a small bowl combine the remaining ½ cup sugar and 2 Tbls lemon zest.

    Lemon Cookies in Sugar and Lemon Zest

    Step 8: Scoop cookies using a Medium size #24 cookie scoop and roll into lemon zest and sugar mixture.  *Lemon Zest is optional, but a delicious bonus to this recipe if you choose to use it.

    Step 9: Bake at 350 Degrees for 7-9 minutes.  Cool on pan for 2 minutes before removing to wire cooling rack.

    Can you Freeze Lemon Cookies?

    Freezing Lemon Cookies is quick and easy.  Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed container or Zip-Loc bag.  Allow cookies to thaw before eating.

    How to Store Cookies

    Cookies will stay fresh if stored properly.  It's important to allow cookies to fully cool before placing them in a sealed container.

    Can cookies be left out overnight?

    Yes, Lemon Cookies can be left out overnight without any problem.  It's a good idea to store cookies in an airtight container to stay fresh.  

    Cookie Scoop:

    Let’s talk about cookie scoops for a minute.  I’m a fan and love them!  Let me tell you why.  I own 3 sizes of cookie scoops and use them all.  My favorites are the medium #size 24 and the small size #40. 

    The small is a perfect small bite cookie and actually feels big for toddlers and young children.  This was my go-to standard cookie size when my boys were little.  I’ve since switched to the Medium scoop for obvious reasons.

    Lemon Cookies

    The other reason why I love using a scoop is it guarantees that every cookie will be the same size which is so much easier when it comes to baking.  Nothing worse than having small cookies overcooked because you have larger cookies on the same plate!  

    Save yourself the trouble and use a cookie scoop.  You will love it! And Thank you for using my Affiliate Link where I earn a small portion of the sale.

    Make sure to check out these Lemon Week Recipes from fellow blogger friends

    Monday #LemonWeek Recipes

    • Homemade Lemon Curd by Fresh April Flours
    • Lemon Bundt Cake by House of Nash Eats
    • Lemon Dessert Sauce by That Recipe
    • Lemon Sugar Cookies by SueBee Homemaker
    • Strawberry Lemonade Rice Krispies Treats by The Spiffy Cookie
    • Lemon Zucchini Bread by Lemon Blossoms
    • Grilled Lemon Mojito by Our Good Life
    • Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata by Our Crafty Mom
    • Deep Eddy Lemonade Vodka Spritzer by Our Crafty Cocktails
    • Meyer Lemon Scones by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
    • Shortbread Lemon Tart by The Redhead Baker
    • Sticky Lemon Oregano Chicken Recipe by Shockingly Delicious
    • Garlic Lemon Pepper Rice by Daily Dish Recipes
    • Crispy Lemon Chicken by Making Miracles
    • South Indian Lemon Rice by Magical Ingredients
    • Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken by Cheese Curd In Paradise
    Lemon Cookies
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 7 votes

    Lemon Cookies

    Sweet with a hint of tart in these Sugar Lemon Cookies. Refreshing with a chewy inside and crispy outside makes these cookies delicious
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time7 minutes mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12

    Ingredients

    • ½ Cup Butter - Softened
    • 1 Cup Sugar - *divided
    • 1 Egg
    • ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
    • 1 Tbl Lemon Juice
    • ½ teaspoon Cream of Tartar
    • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
    • ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil
    • 2 Cup Flour
    • 2 Tbl Lemon Zest

    Instructions

    • Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
    • Cream Butter and ½ Cup white sugar until light and fluffy. About 2 minutes
    • Mix Powdered Sugar, Cream of Tartar, and Baking Soda until combined
    • Add Egg and vegetable oil and Lemon Juice. Mix until smooth
    • Add Flour 1 cup at a time until combined. Add 1 Tlb Lemon Zest
    • Using a Medium Cookie Scoop dough and roll into sugar.
    • Roll cookie dough in ½ cup sugar combined with 1 Tbl Lemon Zest and place on cookie sheet.
    • Bake at 350 Degrees for 7-9 Minutes
    • Cool on pan for 2 minutes before removing to wire cooling rack

    Notes

    Cookie Scoop:  Use a Medium Size #24 Cookie Scoop
    Cookies will be a light golden around the edges.  Do not over bake
    Store in an airtight container
    Have you made this recipe?Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

    1. Anne

      December 17, 2021 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      These are delicious, even to this “if it doesn’t have chocolate, it isn’t dessert” person. They did need a couple of extra minutes in the oven, but don’t overbake.

      Reply
    2. Kathy

      May 25, 2021 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      I'm obsessed with these lemon cookies! They are so perfect and full of flavor. We all love them.

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:51 pm

        I love them too. And so easy!

        Reply
    3. Radha

      May 25, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Amazing cookies. Simple to make and I guess I should make more of these refreshinglemon cookies.

      Reply
    4. Audrey

      May 25, 2021 at 8:17 am

      I bet the cream of tartar and the lemon give these the perfect tang.

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:52 pm

        It's just the right amount of zest and tang

        Reply
    5. Amy Nash

      May 25, 2021 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      These cookies were so easy and so yummy! I happened to have blackberry swirl ice cream in the freezer and made an ice cream sandwich with them and it was HEAVEN. Definitely making these again.

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:53 pm

        So glad you loved them! They are a keeper recipe for sure

        Reply
    6. Terri A Steffes

      May 24, 2021 at 11:06 pm

      Lemon cookies are one of my all time favorite cookies. I think they are the best.

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:53 pm

        I agree! I love to keep some in the freezer for a rainy day

        Reply
    7. Dorothy Reinhold

      May 24, 2021 at 7:01 pm

      I am in trouble. I can't resist anything lemon, and who can say no to a pretty cookie? Think I'll make a double batch to start!

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        A Double batch is so easy to make, you can freeze any extras too

        Reply
    8. Lynn @ Fresh April Flours

      May 24, 2021 at 6:38 am

      Adding these to my cookie list-- they look IMPOSSIBLY soft and delish!

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        These cookies are so soft and chewy, we love them

        Reply
      • Lynn @ Fresh April Flours

        September 02, 2021 at 5:53 pm

        5 stars
        Ok, so... I made them. And then I made my own version with vanilla paste and published them on my blog because they are TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! The perfect texture and so super soft. Amazing cookies!

        Reply
        • Devour Dinner

          September 17, 2021 at 7:47 pm

          I love reviews like this! Thanks for the shout out, so glad you loved them too

          Reply
    9. Wendy Klik

      May 24, 2021 at 6:34 am

      These sound absolutely perfect and I am happy that you shared a small batch recipe. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        May 26, 2021 at 1:55 pm

        A small batch is so nice, just the right amount and you are in and out of the kitchen in no time

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to Devour Dinner!  I am Rebecca and I am here to answer the age old question of “What’s for Dinner?”.  Raising 3 boys made life crazy; my recipes saved my bacon & can save you too! Now as a 'Mimi' of 2 little granddaughters these recipes are still going strong and loved by generations.

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